Environmental Geochemical Science is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program administered by the Department of Geology, focusing on the environmental aspects of Geology and Chemistry. Through formal courses, laboratories, and research projects, students develop an awareness of the geological and chemical processes that impact society and the environment. Both a major and a minor in Environmental Geochemical Science are offered.

In the major program, a sophomore-level survey course, EGS370 Environmental Geochemical Science, draws on the foundation courses to bring together a truly interdisciplinary view of environmental science. Students will see how the different sciences must be combined to understand and address environmental problems. Particular emphasis will be placed on the roles of chemistry, geology, and environmental engineering. In the senior year, students will engage in a full-year Senior Research Project under the supervision of a faculty mentor or an experienced regional scientist. During the spring term of the senior year, oral presentations of student research projects will be made in a Senior Seminar. This seminar will also feature guest scientists who will relate their own work in environmental science.

This major program is a rigorous four-year sequence in science and mathematics, so it is essential that interested students seek advising early in their college studies. First-year students should take Physical Geology (GLG201) and Physical Geology Lab (GLG211), General Chemistry 1 (CHE201) and General Chemistry 1 Lab (CHE211), and Calculus 1 (MAT251) in their first semester, followed by General Physics 1 (PHY201) and Physics 1 Lab (PHY211), General Chemistry 2 (CHE202) and General Chemistry 2 Lab (CHE212), and Calculus 2 (MAT252) in their second semester.

Transfer students should complete the above first-year requirements before entering SUNY New Paltz and should additionally take one year of calculus-based physics, a course in statistics, a laboratory course in historical geology, and organic chemistry.

Students must earn a grade of C- or better in all courses required for the Environmental Geochemical Science major or minor.

This information is provided as a resource for students to aid in selecting a major or degree track. Students should, however, obtain a current plan of study form and consult with an adviser before selecting a program or enrolling in coursework. Complete advising guidelines may be obtained from the Department of Geology or by consultation with the Director of the Environmental Geochemical Science program.